UN Security Council Debates Women in Peace Processes
The annual session addresses declining representation of women in global negotiations and rising conflict risks.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Women’s Issues
Live Poll
Should the international community prioritize ensuring women's representation in all formal peace negotiations?
The United Nations Security Council is holding its annual debate in New York on women, peace, and security. The meeting focuses on the implementation of long-standing agendas amidst growing concerns over violence against women.
Why it matters
The debate highlights a critical decline in the inclusion of women in formal peace processes and rising numbers of women impacted by armed conflict. Participants aim to address the reduction in financial support for women's organizations globally.
Women accounted for just 5 percent of negotiators across 57 peace processes in 2025. Additionally, the population of women and girls living within 50 kilometres of armed conflict increased to 756.1 million in 2025.
The players
Giorgos Gerapetritis
He is the Foreign Minister of Greece who is presiding over the United Nations Security Council session.
António Guterres
He serves as the UN Secretary-General and is a primary participant in the briefings at the headquarters.
Sima Sami Bahous
She is the Executive Director of UN Women and is responsible for providing expert briefings during the session.
The details
Presided over by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, the session features briefings from high-level officials on the status of women in regions such as Afghanistan, Gaza, and Sudan. The council is reviewing progress since the adoption of its landmark resolution on women, peace, and security.
Timeline
Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted in 2000.
Women accounted for 7 percent of negotiators in 2024.
Women accounted for 5 percent of negotiators in 2025.
The UN Security Council held its annual debate on October 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
This session marks a quarter-century of the framework established by UN Security Council Resolution 1325. It reflects a broader struggle to move beyond symbolic inclusion toward meaningful participation in global political decision-making.
While the UN debate occurs at a high diplomatic level, its outcomes influence the funding and policy directives for local women's organizations in conflict-affected regions. Residents in these areas may see changes in the availability of resources or local security support.
The takeaway
The decline in female representation in peace negotiations suggests that current global mechanisms for conflict resolution remain insufficient. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor future policy implementations that prioritize the inclusion of local women's organizations in peace-building efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about international advocacy and advocacy goals at Women’s Issues.
Live Poll
Should the international community prioritize ensuring women's representation in all formal peace negotiations?
